Geographical Indications of Odisha

In India, handloom products are an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and provide employment to millions of people. To protect and promote the unique qualities of Indian handloom products, the government has introduced the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, which provides for the registration and protection of geographical indications.

Under this act, several handloom products from different regions of India have been granted GI status. Some examples include:

1. Banaras Brocade and Sarees – from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
2. Chanderi Fabric – from the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh
3. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees – from the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu
4. Pashmina Shawls – from the Kashmir region
5. Patola Silk Sarees – from Patan in Gujarat
6. Kantha Embroidery – from West Bengal

The GI tag for Indian handloom products not only helps in protecting the traditional knowledge and skills of artisans but also helps in the economic development of the region. It assures consumers that they are buying authentic handloom products that are produced using traditional techniques and are unique to a particular region.

Odisha possesses all of the following GI tags:

1. Kotpad Handloom Fabric (Handicraft)
2. Orissa Ikat (Handicraft)
3. Konark Stone Carving (Handicraft)
4. Orissa Pattachitra (Handicraft)
5. Pipli Applique Work (Handicraft)
6. Khandua Saree and Fabrics (Handicraft)
7. Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics (Handicraft)
8. Ganjam Kewda Rooh (Manufactured)
9. Ganjam Kewda Flower (Agricultural)
10. Dhalapathar Parda & Fabrics (Handicraft)
11. Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics (Handicraft)
12. Bomkai Saree & Fabrics (Handicraft)
13. Habaspuri Saree & Fabrics (Handicraft)
14. Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree & Joda (Handicraft)
15. Orissa Pattachitra (Logo) (Handicraft)
16. Araku Valley Arabica Coffee (Agricultural)
17. Kandhamal Haladi (Agricultural)
18. Odisha Rasagola (Food Stuff)

These GI tags are indicative of the unique cultural heritage and traditional expertise of the state of Odisha in India. The tags are important for protecting the intellectual property of the state’s artisans and producers and for promoting the state’s economy and tourism.